Healthcare Assistant

To work as a member of the multidisciplinary care team, ensuring a holistic package of care is provided care to patients and their families, some of whom may have complex health, palliative and supportive care needs

To help provide appropriate personal, physical, emotional, social and spiritual care, in collaboration with the patient and family under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses and other senior staff

To provide care in accordance with agreed care plans, policies, and procedures.
- Work in partnership with patients/ families allowing them to guide routines of care.
- Help create a welcoming, caring, safe and supportive environment for patients, families and all involved in the work of the hospice.
- Follow a clearly written personalised care plan.
- Work effectively under the direction of registered nurses to deliver high quality safe and effective care.
- Communicate effectively with members of the multidisciplinary team.
- Liaise with other care staff and pass on information at changes of shift.
- Be observant to changing conditions of patients and report to a registered practitioner.
- Ensure patients nutritional needs are met.
- Maintain accurate records of patient care according to Havens Hospices policies.
- Perform the tasks relating to care of the recently deceased person, with tact, consideration and dignity.
- Assist with the care of a patient after death, to provide bereavement support, assist with planning and liaising with funeral directors
- Be aware of the needs of the whole family and to encourage trust and open communication, as well as offering emotional and practical support, especially to distressed relatives.
- Ensure patients wellbeing is prioritised and appropriate referrals are made to specialist services
- Support the nursing/ registered staff in the checking and recording of medication following appropriate policies and procedures and requiring frequent concentration

At Havens Hospices, we care for children, young people and adults with complex or incurable conditions. Our specialist Care Teams can support them and their family living throughout illness, death and bereavement in the comfort of their own home and through our hospice services, Fair Havens and Little Havens.

Working at Havens Hospices allows you to give the gift of time to patients and families, creating memories. Although you may not be giving direct care to our patients, your contribution will have an immediate effect on our care services.

In return for your expertise and passion, you will receive a competitive salary package, and most of all, by making the most of every day you work at Havens Hospices you’ll be helping us continue ‘Making every day count’ for those who need us most.

At Havens Hospices we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and patients and expect all colleagues to share this commitment.
- Participate in the moving and handling of vulnerable patients, often involving specialist lifting and handling equipment
- Risk of exposure to bodily substances defined as hazardous.
- Rigorous adherence to organisational infection prevention policies and procedures including the use of personal protective equipment
- Communicate effectively with patients and their families, some of whom may have significant barriers to understanding.
- Be aware of the needs of the whole family and to encourage trust and open communication, as well as offering emotional and practical support in times of distress.
- Communicate effectively with members of the multidisciplinary team.
- Provides and receives routine, confidential and sensitive information concerning patients, requiring tact, empathy, persuasion, and reassurance.